Can you teach an old dog new tricks?

Jared Smith
August 10, 2008
FantasyInsiderS.com

On august 6, 2008 the New York Jets pulled off a trade for the greatest quarterback in NFL history. As if spending $140 million wasn't enough this off-season they finally may have the piece that matters most. In case you've been living under a rock for the last 3 months, Bret Favre is now a New York Jet. A quality signal caller and captain to right the Jets ship. But will it happen in 2008?

For the first time in 15 years, Brett Favre will learn a new offense. After spending most of his career using West Coast terminology he's now forced to learn a completely new play book. And if that weren't enough, he has to learn new receivers and new opponents.

He's also out of shape. Training camp started two weeks ago and Bret hasn't had the type of off-season you would expect a professional football player participates in getting ready for the following season. How can you possibly stay in shape when you're the center of your own circus? He's admitted his arm is fine but sore. Typical I guess for someone who'll turn 39 this October.

He's also playing for a large market team. New York fans and media are very impatient and tolerate nothing less then perfection from their stars. Will they boo Brett after his first interception? What happens when the Jets go 1-3 to start the season? Can Brett handle the pressure? Psychologically he was not emotionally prepared to participate in the Packers 2008 campaign.

His new receiving corps is also a downgrade from what he had in Green Bay. The running game is still questionable as well. The offensive line has been upgraded with several new faces who should struggle initially to build chemistry.

Not to mention he's also on the cover of Madden 09!!

So where does he go in most drafts? Unfortunately sooner then he should! Take a look at this from a different perspective. For a moment, imagine if Brett Favre didn't retire and he's still in Green Bay as the unquestionable starting quarterback. Where would he have been drafted then? He was a top ten fantasy QB in 2007 but in 2008 he's a year older and probably out of the top ten, even as a Packer. You can imagine that Favre would have been drafted as the top back up to any fantasy roster or be considered a low end starter in deeper leagues. Now throw in all the complications listed above and suddenly you have a player that you should feel comfortable selecting no later then round 12.

There are two scenarios that will play out of the next 20 weeks. First, Brett Favre struggles for the first 4-6 games of the season and learns to enjoy the New York lifestyle. Or two, he folds under the pressure and retires AGAIN at the end of the season. Either way, he's much too high a risk to draft on your team. Stay away from Brett Favre in 2008!